Amazon.com Ebook

I am a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in business. I have a really strong interest in becoming a pilot.

I have thought about going to a local FBO in Grand Rapids, MI (where I currently live) to get flight training to save money since I have none because I have just graduated!

I have also thought about going to a place like Western Michigan because they have a well known and respected aviation school. This might help me advance in the future or get a better job after I graduate. It would be more expensive, but most likely could get a loan to help with expenses.

Been wrestling with these choices for a little while and I would love some outside perspective and advice.

Thank you very much for your time,

Jonathan Gray

Flight Degree Programs at Embry-Riddle

Hi Jonathan,

I believe your intention to become a pilot is to join the US airlines in the future. Unlike some airlines in Asia where the carriers sponsor or give scholarships to intending candidates to pursue their dreams, there is no such thing in the United States. So your route to an airline job may be a long and winding one!

Like you have said, your cheapest option is to get a Private Pilot License through a FBO first.

[For the information of outsiders reading this, FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators) are general aviation air terminals - they work like gas stations for small planes in the US. They service local and transient aircraft and often provide flight training, charter service, maintenance, sell or rent aircraft.]

The Western Michigan aviation school may be more expensive but probably gives you better training than the local FBOs. However, at the end of the day, it depends on you to learn as much as you can and prove yourself during the interview for the airlines job. They are generally more interested in how many hours you have accumulated.

Of course, if you are a holder of a FAA ATP and perhaps a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with the required flying hours and experience, then your chances of getting into one of the best airlines in the US would be enhanced.

Trackback(0)

Comments (1)

...

hello to all members of the emirates aviation college would be a great pleasure for me to take the training airplane pilot with you but against financiair required means it will be difficult thing for me. taken you but I want to think about bein 'm' realiserb help my dream.thank you for Advanced Features +22997009781

Follow me

Like What You Read?

If you like what you read, more stories are found in my book LIFE IN THE SKIES (Preview here) and you can purchase a copy here. To check for any latest updates or postings, you can follow my Twitter at @CaptKHLim or Facebook here